GUILFORD – Warren “Pete” Myrick, 58, who worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of others and to improve the economy in Piscataquis County, died Sunday.

The former SAD 4 adult education director died at a Washington, D.C., hospital, a day after the state recognized his outstanding dedication to adult education. The award was announced Saturday at a state adult education conference in South Portland.

Myrick was seriously injured in August when he fell down a set of stairs in his Guilford home. The accident damaged his spinal cord and caused paralysis.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, and his children, Jeffrey Myrick of Standish, Gary Myrick of Arlington, Va., and Elizabeth Myrick of Alexandria, Va.

Myrick also leaves a host of former students and community members, who had nothing but admiration and praise for the educator and community leader.

“He was totally dedicated to the residents of the area whether it was an elementary student or a great-grandmother who wanted to take a sewing class,” Bruce Lindberg, Piscataquis Community High School Principal said. “He was so invested in making education possible for everyone.”

Before becoming adult education director and bringing the district recognition for leading the state in the number of credits earned through the University of Maine’s Continuing Education program, Myrick served SAD 4 as a social studies teacher, athletic coach, athletic director and assistant principal. He constantly encouraged young and old to make learning a lifelong pursuit.

The civic-minded volunteer also was one of Piscataquis County’s biggest promoters of economic growth. “It’s just amazing that one man could be involved in so many things and make such an incredible impact,” Mark Scarano, executive director of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, said Monday.

Myrick was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the economic development council and served as president when the group successfully organized a funding effort for the Penquis Higher Education Center in Dover-Foxcroft.

In addition, Myrick was an avid and active Democrat, was a founding member of the Guilford Historical Society and served as trustee to the Guilford Memorial Library.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 2, at the Guilford United Methodist Church. His legacy will continue with the Warren L. Myrick Aspirations Fund, in care of The Maine Community Foundation.